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The security of flaming swords
1. The security of flaming swords
2. The security of flaming swords
Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. [kjv]
και εξεβαλεν τον αδαμ και κατωκισεν αυτον απεναντι του παραδεισου της τρυφης και εταξεν τα χερουβιμ και την φλογινην ρομφαιαν την στρεφομενην φυλασσειν την οδον του ξυλου της ζωης [lxx]
A key or password provides
passive security to protect a resource.
Active security requires a physical presence of someone or something guarding the resource. Is the security of the "
flaming sword" in Genesis 3:24 "
active", "
passive", both or none of these? Is that "
flaming sword" needed to keep access open, to keep access closed, both of these, none of these, or something else?
3. Adam and ruddy red clay
Genesis 2:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. [kjv]
και επλασεν ο θεος ετι εκ της γης παντα τα θηρια του αγρου και παντα τα πετεινα του ουρανου και ηγαγεν αυτα προς τον αδαμ ιδειν τι καλεσει αυτα και παν ο εαν εκαλεσεν αυτο αδαμ ψυχην ζωσαν τουτο ονομα αυτου [lxx]
… האדמה … האדם … האדם … [he]
The first man, created by God.
Dirt or clay of a reddish-brown color.
The color "red" is in "ruddy".
4. Genesis 1:1: Declarative models and causal reasoning
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [kjv]
εν αρχη εποιησεν ο θεος τον ουρανον και την γην [lxx]
Genesis 1 is a
declarative model of creation and not a
procedural or
imperative model of creation. It says
what happened but not exactly
how it happened.
Word processors are declarative - WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get).
Microsoft Word is "What you see is what you hope to get".
Spreadsheets are declarative (a simple functional language).
Programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc., are imperative or procedural.
5. Declarative models
Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. [kjv]
και ειπεν ο θεος γενηθητω φως και εγενετο φως [lxx]
When you "
declare" something, like the "
Declaration of Independence", you state that something is what you want it to be.
A
declarative model of a system is a model that describes the
what of a system but not the
how or
why of a system.
The declarative part of what the system does is (often) explained in a model without getting into details of ordering of subparts of the system.
The control part of how the system does it and the order in which things are done is not (usually) explained in a model.
This distinction made is made in computer science and software engineering (and other areas).
6. Genesis 1:1 Declarative models
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [kjv]
εν αρχη εποιησεν ο θεος τον ουρανον και την γην [lxx]
The "
declarative" model of creation is before Adam and Eve were created. The exact
way it happened
does not matter.
It does not make sense to try to map time and space of reality as is known now to the that period.
The "
historical" model of humanity started with Adam and continues to the present day. The exact
dates do not matter.
This is known more precisely since the start of written records and less precisely before then.
To show that the Bible is a true message from the creator, (fault-tolerant and error correcting) authentication codes are needed.
7. Genesis 1:1
KJV: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Hebrew: בראשית ברא אלהים את השמים ואת הארץ׃
Greek: εν αρχη εποιησεν ο θεος τον ουρανον και την γην
8. Dates for reference
Here are some dates for reference.
Adam and Eve are about 4000 BC.
Noah and the flood are about 2400 BC.
Abraham is about 2000 BC
David is about 1000 BC
9. Foundations
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. [kjv]
4:4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. [kjv]
The foundations of one's world view become important. Many pastors will read from Acts and tell how three or five thousand were converted and give the impression that if one went out, that many would be converted in "
our town".
10. Ken Ham
What Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis and others have pointed out is that these were Jews in Jerusalem. They were looking for a Messiah and they all believed in the God of the Bible.
When Paul got to the Greeks, they did not believe there was a God of the Bible.
That first step is convincing others that there is a God of the Bible. Sadly, this point is completely omitted in many churches today.
11. Acts 2:41
KJV: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Greek: οι μεν ουν ασμενως αποδεξαμενοι τον λογον αυτου εβαπτισθησαν και προσετεθησαν εν τη ημερα εκεινη ψυχαι ωσει τρισχιλιαι
12. Acts 4:4
KJV: Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
Greek: πολλοι δε των ακουσαντων τον λογον επιστευσαν και εγενηθη ο αριθμος των ανδρων ωσει ως χιλιαδες πεντε
13. Genesis 3:24
KJV: So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Hebrew: ויגרש את האדם וישכן מקדם לגן עדן את הכרבים ואת להט החרב המתהפכת לשמר את דרך עץ החיים׃
Greek: και εξεβαλεν τον αδαμ και κατωκισεν αυτον απεναντι του παραδεισου της τρυφης και εταξεν τα χερουβιμ και την φλογινην ρομφαιαν την στρεφομενην φυλασσειν την οδον του ξυλου της ζωης
Brenton: And he cast out Adam and caused him to dwell over against the garden of Delight, and stationed the cherubs and the fiery sword that turns about to keep the way of the tree of life.
Latin: eiecitque Adam et conlocavit ante paradisum voluptatis cherubin et flammeum gladium atque versatilem ad custodiendam viam ligni vitae
14. Context of the flaming sword
Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: [kjv]
και ειπεν ο θεος ιδου αδαμ γεγονεν ως εις εξ ημων του γινωσκειν καλον και πονηρον και νυν μηποτε εκτεινη την χειρα και λαβη του ξυλου της ζωης και φαγη και ζησεται εις τον αιωνα [lxx]
… האדם … [he]
3:23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. [kjv]
και εξαπεστειλεν αυτον κυριος ο θεος εκ του παραδεισου της τρυφης εργαζεσθαι την γην εξ ης ελημφθη [lxx]
… האדמה … [he]
Going back two verses provides a context for Genesis 3:24. The Greek in the
LXX (Septuagint) and
GNT (Greek New Testament) for "
evil" is that of "
oppression".
15. Genesis 3:22
KJV: And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
Hebrew: ויאמר יהוה אלהים הן האדם היה כאחד ממנו לדעת טוב ורע ועתה פן ישלח ידו ולקח גם מעץ החיים ואכל וחי לעלם׃
Greek: και ειπεν ο θεος ιδου αδαμ γεγονεν ως εις εξ ημων του γινωσκειν καλον και πονηρον και νυν μηποτε εκτεινη την χειρα και λαβη του ξυλου της ζωης και φαγη και ζησεται εις τον αιωνα
16. Genesis 3:23
KJV: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
Hebrew: וישלחהו יהוה אלהים מגן עדן לעבד את האדמה אשר לקח משם׃
Greek: και εξαπεστειλεν αυτον κυριος ο θεος εκ του παραδεισου της τρυφης εργαζεσθαι την γην εξ ης ελημφθη
17. Guards
Cherubims (plural) and a "
flaming sword" will certainly keep humans away from the tree of life. But is that more than what is actually needed?
Since no human has ever found anything in reality that would match this description of a physical "
flaming sword", perhaps it is not literal. Perhaps it is a mechanism similar to meeting requirements for the flaming sword to unlock access.
Discuss: Might there be someone else that is to be kept from the tree of life?
Discuss: Did God invent the "
sword"? Perhaps it is not a literal sword. Some would say that since God created man and man created the sword that God created the sword (as a logical implication of creation).
18. Eastern Orthodox tradition
Eastern Orthodox tradition says that after Jesus was crucified and resurrected, the flaming sword was removed from the Garden of Eden, making it possible for humanity to re-enter Paradise. Wikipedia. (as of 2022-01-10)
Languages in areas in western Europe aligned with the Catholic (western) Church use the Latin alphabet.
Languages in areas in eastern Europe aligned with the Eastern Orthodox Church use the Cyrillic alphabet.
19. Strongs Hebrew - sword
- *H2719 חֶרֶב (kheh'-reb) : from H2717; drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement:--axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool.
20. Strongs Hebrew - flame
- *H3858 לַהַט (lah'-hat) : from H3857; a blaze; also (from the idea of enwrapping) magic (as covert):--flaming, enchantment.
21. Swords
22. Access to the tree of life
Perhaps the "
flaming sword" is literal. Perhaps it is figurative. Since it keeps open the way to the "
tree of life" in some way but blocks it in some way, perhaps it is somewhat like an authentication mechanism (of three primary forms).
What you have (identification card).
What you are (biometric).
What you know (password).
In this model, we need both things that match the blocking mechanism.
An appropriate "sword".
An appropriate "flame".
Is the sword is still cutting edge technology?
If you are sharp, you might get the point of swords.
Let us review.
23. Unconditional access to tree of life
Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. [kjv]
ο εχων ους ακουσατω τι το πνευμα λεγει ταις εκκλησιαις τω νικωντι δωσω αυτω φαγειν εκ του ξυλου της ζωης ο εστιν εν τω παραδεισω του θεου [gnt]
The "
tree of life" can be represented as a circle, much as the "
Garden of Eden" means, from the Persian, an enclosed place or garden. The ancient Greek word
"παράδεισος" ≈ "paradise, enclosed park" and is the source of the English word
"paradise".
24. No access to tree of life.
One scenario is to block access to the tree of life. That is, "
access denied".
Were "
swords" allowed in the Garden of Eden? Did the zoning rules of the Garden of Eden permit "
fencing"?
Since Adam and Eve were expelled to the
east, some associate the Greek legend of the Garden of Hesperides in the
west to the Garden of Eden.
25. Vespers in the west at evening
Luke 24:29 … Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. … [kjv]
και παρεβιασαντο αυτον λεγοντες μεινον μεθ ημων οτι προς εσπεραν εστιν και κεκλικεν ηδη η ημερα και εισηλθεν του μειναι συν αυτοις [gnt]
The garden of Hesperides, visited by Hercules as one of his feats, was in the extreme west (setting sun) from Greece and is the source of the Greek word for "
evening" which comes, through Latin, as "
vespers". The ancient Greek word for "
Spain" was "
Hesperia".
The ancient Greek word
"ἕσπερος" ≈ "evening" which has a connotation of "
west" as in the setting sun. The related English word
"west" is related to the Latin word
"vesper" ≈ "evening" and the Russian word
"вечер" (ve-sher) ≈ "evening".
Since Adam and Eve were expelled towards the east, and Hesperides is to the west, some associate the Garden of Eden with the legend of the Gander of Hesperides.
26. Conditional Access to tree of life
Another scenario, and the one that appears to be the actual meaning, is that there is conditional access to the tree of life.
One needs an appropriate "sword".
One needs an appropriate "flame".
There may be additional requirements not immediately obvious in the Genesis account.
Let us "
touch", as in "
touché", on the "
sword" part first.
27. Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are an
NHL (National Hockey League) team whose emblem features crossed sabers. A saber is a type of sword. They are one of the oldest NHL hockey teams to have never won the Stanley Cup. The other is the Vancouver Chanucks, both having joined the NHL in 1970.
The ceremonial dress sword/saber of the
USMA (United States Military Academy) at West Point, NY, is used in parades. A sword is not given to graduating cadets. To "
take" a sword, a cadet needs to "
buy" a "
sword".
28. Swords
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [kjv]
και την περικεφαλαιαν του σωτηριου δεξασθε και την μαχαιραν του πνευματος ο εστιν ρημα θεου [gnt]
… galeam … gladium … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"μάχαιραν" ≈ "sword" from the ancient Greek word
"μάχη" ≈ "battle, fight".
The Latin word
"gladium" ≈ "sword" and is the source of the English word "
gladiator". The ancient Greek word
"ῥομφαία" ≈ "large broad sword" and is used in the
LXX.
The ancient Greek word
"ῥῆμα" ≈ "spoken word" and is the source of the English word
"rhetoric".
The "
declarative" or "
spoken word" of God is the "
sword" of the Spirit.
29. Something to say about words
There are (at least) two ancient Greek words for "
word".
The ancient Greek word "ῥῆμα" ≈ "spoken word" as in a saying. In grammar it referred to a "verb" and is the source of the English word "rhetoric".
The ancient Greek word "λόγος" ≈ "rational explanation" but is translated as "word" in John 1:1, in the beginning was the "word". It is the source of the English word "logic".
In general, one word means a spoken word and one means a written word but this distinction is not always followed.
There are many verses in the
LXX and
GNT that use both words. Such verses may help understand both the similarities and the differences between the two words.
30. Ephesians 6:17
KJV: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Greek: και την περικεφαλαιαν του σωτηριου δεξασθε και την μαχαιραν του πνευματος ο εστιν ρημα θεου
Latin: et galeam salutis adsumite et gladium Spiritus quod est verbum Dei
Wycliffe: And take ye the helm of helthe, and the swerd of the Goost, that is, the word of God.
Luther: Und nehmet den Helm des Heils und das Schwert des Geistes, welches ist das Wort Gottes.
Spanish: y tomad el yelmo de la salvación, y la espada del Espíritu, que es la palabra de Dios;
31. Strongs - sword
- *G3162 *29 μάχαιρα (makh'-ahee-rah) : probably feminine of a presumed derivative of G3163; a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment:--sword.
- μαχαιραν *12
- Matthew 10:34 ... to send peace, but a sword.
- Matthew 26:51 ... his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant ...
- Matthew 26:52 ... Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
- Mark 14:47 ... of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, ...
- Luke 22:36 ... he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, ...
- John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and ...
- John 18:11 ... unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup ...
- Acts 16:27 ... doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, ...
- Romans 13:4 ... for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is ...
- Ephesians 6:17 ... the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is ...
- Hebrews 4:12 ... than any twoedged sword, piercing even to ...
- μαχαιρων *5
- Matthew 26:47 ... great multitude with swords and staves, from ...
- Matthew 26:55 ... against a thief with swords and staves for to take ...
- Mark 14:43 ... a great multitude with swords and staves, from ...
- Mark 14:48 ... against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
- Luke 22:52 ... against a thief, with swords and staves?
- μαχαιρη *5
- Matthew 26:52 ... Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
- Luke 22:49 ... shall we smite with the sword?
- Acts 12:2 ... James the brother of John with the sword.
- Revelation 13:10 ... killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is ...
- μαχαιρης *4
- Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into ...
- Hebrews 11:34 ... of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, ...
- Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins ...
- Revelation 13:14 ... which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
- μαχαιρα *2
- Romans 8:35 ... or peril, or sword?
- Revelation 6:4 ... there was given unto him a great sword.
- μαχαιραι
- Luke 22:38 ... behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, ...
32. Strongs - sword
 |
Words: μαχαιρα=2 μαχαιραι μαχαιραν=12 μαχαιρη=5 μαχαιρης=4 μαχαιρων=5
|
33. Strongs - sword
*G3162 *29 μάχαιρα (makh'-ahee-rah) : probably feminine of a presumed derivative of G3163; a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment:--sword.
In the
GNT, the word "
sword" in the Greek appears to refer to a generic sword.
The Greek "machaira" sword was one-edged and longer.
The Roman "gladius" sword (used by a gladiator) was two-edged and shorter.
34. Song: Standing on the promises
The hymn "
Standing on the promises" was written in 1886 by American
Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928). He was a professor at the
Pennsylvania Military College of Chester (later
Widener College) and licensed as a preacher by the
Methodist Episcopal Church. He later became a doctor and a writer, writing novels and hymns.
He was known for his faith healing teachings and "
positive confession".
In 1972 Pennsylvania Military College disbanded its Corps of Cadets and became
Widener College (later University).
35. Tune
36. Verse 1
Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing,
standing,
standing on
the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing,
standing, I'm
standing on
the promises of God.
37. Verse 3
Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's
sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing,
standing,
standing on
the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing,
standing, I'm
standing on
the promises of God.
38. Genesis 3:24 flaming sword
Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. [kjv]
και εξεβαλεν τον αδαμ και κατωκισεν αυτον απεναντι του παραδεισου της τρυφης και εταξεν τα χερουβιμ και την φλογινην ρομφαιαν την στρεφομενην φυλασσειν την οδον του ξυλου της ζωης [lxx]
… האדם … [he]
Where might we find an appropriate sword? Without an appropriate sword, one might be "
living on the edge".
How might God provide us with an appropriate sword?
39. John 1:14-15
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. [kjv]
και ο λογος σαρξ εγενετο και εσκηνωσεν εν ημιν και εθεασαμεθα την δοξαν αυτου δοξαν ως μονογενους παρα πατρος πληρης χαριτος και αληθειας [gnt]
1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. [kjv]
So God sent someone - Jesus. He made the "
scene". The word "
scene" cames from the Greek word used here for "
dwelt".
What can John the Baptist tell us about the "
flaming sword"? (later)
Jesus came. But where is the "
sword"?
40. John 1:14
KJV: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Greek: και ο λογος σαρξ εγενετο και εσκηνωσεν εν ημιν και εθεασαμεθα την δοξαν αυτου δοξαν ως μονογενους παρα πατρος πληρης χαριτος και αληθειας
41. John 1:15
KJV: John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Greek: ιωαννης μαρτυρει περι αυτου και κεκραγεν λεγων ουτος ην ον ειπον ο ειπων ο οπισω μου ερχομενος εμπροσθεν μου γεγονεν οτι πρωτος μου ην
42. Matthew 10:34
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. [kjv]
μη νομισητε οτι ηλθον βαλειν ειρηνην επι την γην ουκ ηλθον βαλειν ειρηνην αλλα μαχαιραν [gnt]
… pacem … gladium [v]
Many think that Jesus came to bring, or "
throw", "
peace" on earth.
Some pastors will say that Jesus wants to "
replace conflict with peace". Is that what Jesus says?
A syntactic match (word letters) results in Genesis 3:24 in the LXX and Matthew 10:34 in the GNT using different words for "sword".
A semantic match (word meaning) results in a "sword" being a "sword".
The "
sword" is the sword of "
truth" (code word approach). In addition, Jesus provides the "
sword" part of the "
flaming sword" for the "
tree of life".
If the sword were not forged right, a "
forgery", you might say that the sword "
smelt funny". If you can find an inexpensive sword, it might be a "
good steel".
43. Matthew 10:34
KJV: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Greek: μη νομισητε οτι ηλθον βαλειν ειρηνην επι την γην ουκ ηλθον βαλειν ειρηνην αλλα μαχαιραν
Latin: nolite arbitrari quia venerim mittere pacem in terram non veni pacem mittere sed gladium
44. Luke 12:51
Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: [kjv]
δοκειτε οτι ειρηνην παρεγενομην δουναι εν τη γη ουχι λεγω υμιν αλλ η διαμερισμον [gnt]
Some pastors want to "
replace division with unity". Jesus does not appear to say this. One can make the case that the "
sword" is the "
sword" of the "
truth" or "
reality". That fits in with the "
reality" of the "
flaming sword".
Notice how Luke, writing in part to the Romans, changes "
sword" to "
division" (the figurative meaning). The Romans were quite adept at "
swords" and might get the wrong idea.
This is similar to the translation of the Bible for the Goths by Wulfila. He did not translate parts of the
OT (Old Testament) because he said the Goths were warlike enough without additional encouragement. Note: Most of that
OT translation has not survived.
45. Luke 12:51
KJV: Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Greek: δοκειτε οτι ειρηνην παρεγενομην δουναι εν τη γη ουχι λεγω υμιν αλλ η διαμερισμον
46. Luke 11:21
Luke 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: [kjv]
οταν ο ισχυρος καθωπλισμενος φυλασση την εαυτου αυλην εν ειρηνη εστιν τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]
Luke changes the words somewhat from Matthew. The "
strong man" represents the ruler of this world. The "
peace" is the "
peace" of the world and not of God. The "
goods" are the people in the "
world" under the control of the "
strong man".
47. Luke 11:21
KJV: When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
Greek: οταν ο ισχυρος καθωπλισμενος φυλασση την εαυτου αυλην εν ειρηνη εστιν τα υπαρχοντα αυτου
48. Carrying purse and scrip
Luke 10:4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. [kjv]
μη βασταζετε βαλλαντιον μη πηραν υποδηματα και μηδενα κατα την οδον ασπασησθε [gnt]
22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. [kjv]
22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. [kjv]
ειπεν δε αυτοις αλλα νυν ο εχων βαλλαντιον αρατω ομοιως και πηραν και ο μη εχων πωλησατω το ιματιον αυτου και αγορασατω μαχαιραν [gnt]
Before the arrest and crucifixion, Jesus changes the earlier-stated requirements.
How many times have you heard Luke 10:4 stated in a sermon?
How many times have you then heard Luke 22:36 stated in that sermon?
Discuss: Is it deceptive to make a claim using one verse and omit telling people about the later verse that reverses the earlier verse?
49. Buy a sword
Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. [kjv]
ειπεν δε αυτοις αλλα νυν ο εχων βαλλαντιον αρατω ομοιως και πηραν και ο μη εχων πωλησατω το ιματιον αυτου και αγορασατω μαχαιραν [gnt]
Why might we need a "
sword"? Is the "
sword" more than reality "
truth"?
What might it mean to "
sell" one's "
garment" to "
buy" a "
sword"?
We still do not need "
shoes". Why might that be the case?
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Details are left as a future topic.
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50. Luke 22:38
Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. [kjv]
οι δε ειπαν κυριε ιδου μαχαιραι ωδε δυο ο δε ειπεν αυτοις ικανον εστιν [gnt]
Apparently, even one sword would have been "
sufficient". When Jesus makes statements, those statements often have multiple meanings, of which all can be true.
In terms of "
swords", what Jesus says may have "
duel" meanings.
51. Luke 22:36
Luke 22:36 … he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. [kjv]
ειπεν δε αυτοις αλλα νυν ο εχων βαλλαντιον αρατω ομοιως και πηραν και ο μη εχων πωλησατω το ιματιον αυτου και αγορασατω μαχαιραν [gnt]
Some use this verse to justify carrying weapons for self-defense. Jesus subsequently states not to use violence. [framing, false dilemma]
Some use this verse as used to fulfill prophecy, such as provide a reason for the soldiers to arrest him as a criminal.
Note that
some or
all or
more can be true.
52. Luke 22:36
Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. [kjv]
ειπεν δε αυτοις αλλα νυν ο εχων βαλλαντιον αρατω ομοιως και πηραν και ο μη εχων πωλησατω το ιματιον αυτου και αγορασατω μαχαιραν [gnt]
If the previous remarks about "
purse" and "
script" apply to everyone then so does the remarks about the "
sword". That is, everyone needs a "
sword".
Do you have a sword?
Jesus tells everyone to "
buy" a "
sword". Do you need to "
sell" something, such as your outer layer or
"garment" to "
purchase" that "
sword"? For what might that "
sword" be needed?
53. Luke 22:36
KJV: Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
Greek: ειπεν ουν δε αυτοις αλλα νυν ο εχων βαλαντιον βαλλαντιον αρατω ομοιως και πηραν και ο μη εχων πωλησατω το ιματιον αυτου και αγορασατω μαχαιραν
54. Luke 22:37
KJV: For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
Greek: λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι ετι τουτο το γεγραμμενον δει τελεσθηναι εν εμοι το και μετα ανομων ελογισθη και γαρ τα το περι εμου τελος εχει
55. Luke 22:38
KJV: And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
Greek: οι δε ειπον ειπαν κυριε ιδου μαχαιραι ωδε δυο ο δε ειπεν αυτοις ικανον εστιν
56. Buying and selling
Luke 22:36 … and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. [kjv]
ειπεν δε αυτοις αλλα νυν ο εχων βαλλαντιον αρατω ομοιως και πηραν και ο μη εχων πωλησατω το ιματιον αυτου και αγορασατω μαχαιραν [gnt]
Many people think of buying and selling as involving money. In business, as well as in, say, Internet commerce, one can sell many things that do not directly involve money. One can sell ideas - as do political movements, some non-profit organizations, etc.
One should think of "
barter" or "
exchange" of goods (of value) rather than "
money".
We see an example of this at the Last Supper, which happened shortly before the events of this verse.
57. John 13:4-5 Last supper
John 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. [kjv]
εγειρεται εκ του δειπνου και τιθησιν τα ιματια και λαβων λεντιον διεζωσεν εαυτον [gnt]
13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. [kjv]
ειτα βαλλει υδωρ εις τον νιπτηρα και ηρξατο νιπτειν τους ποδας των μαθητων και εκμασσειν τω λεντιω ω ην διεζωσμενος [gnt]
At the Last Supper, Jesus provides an example.
Jesus gives up his "garment", the same word used in Luke 22:36.
Jesus is said to take the role of a "servant". [deceptive progression]
He tells the disciples that as he has done to them, they should do to others - in the general sense and not in the specific example sense.
This then, appears to be the way that one "
sells" (gives up) his "
garment" to "
buy" (obtain) a "
sword" needed to access the "
tree of life".
58. John 13:4 Last supper
John 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. [kjv]
εγειρεται εκ του δειπνου και τιθησιν τα ιματια και λαβων λεντιον διεζωσεν εαυτον [gnt]
The English, "
Jesus riseth ... and girded himself" has a double-meaning in the Greek.
"ἐγείρω" ≈ "awaken, raise up, erect a building" and, in context, "resurrect".
"διαζώσεν" ≈ "girded" using Greek "z" (what is written)
"διασώσεν" ≈ "saved" using Greek "s" (play on words)
Paraphrase of double-meaning and pun: The idea may be that to "
wakeup" and "
sell" your "
garment" to, with you attitude and behavior, "
buy" a "
sword", so that you can be "
saved".
59. John 13:4
KJV: He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
Greek: εγειρεται εκ του δειπνου και τιθησιν τα ιματια και λαβων λεντιον διεζωσεν εαυτον
60. John 13:5
KJV: After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
Greek: ειτα βαλλει υδωρ εις τον νιπτηρα και ηρξατο νιπτειν τους ποδας των μαθητων και εκμασσειν τω λεντιω ω ην διεζωσμενος
61. Strongs - gird
John 13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. [kjv]
13:9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. [kjv]
13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. [kjv]
John 13:9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. [kjv]
John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. [kjv]
13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. [kjv]
υποδειγμα γαρ εδωκα υμιν ινα καθως εγω εποιησα υμιν και υμεις ποιητε [gnt]
13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. [kjv]
Matthew 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. [kjv]
τοτε λεγει αυτω ο ιησους αποστρεψον την μαχαιραν σου εις τον τοπον αυτης παντες γαρ οι λαβοντες μαχαιραν εν μαχαιρη απολουνται [gnt]
Matthew 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. [kjv]
τοτε λεγει αυτω ο ιησους αποστρεψον την μαχαιραν σου εις τον τοπον αυτης παντες γαρ οι λαβοντες μαχαιραν εν μαχαιρη απολουνται [gnt]
Matthew 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: … [kjv]
σταυρωσαντες δε αυτον διεμερισαντο τα ιματια αυτου βαλλοντες κληρον [gnt]
Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. [kjv]
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. [kjv]
John 19:24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. [kjv]
Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; [kjv]
2:35 ( Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. [kjv]
και σου αυτης την ψυχην διελευσεται ρομφαια οπως αν αποκαλυφθωσιν εκ πολλων καρδιων διαλογισμοι [gnt]
Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. [kjv]
οι δε ειπαν κυριε ιδου μαχαιραι ωδε δυο ο δε ειπεν αυτοις ικανον εστιν [gnt]
We need an appropriate "flame".
Exodus 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. [kjv]
και μωυσης ην ποιμαινων τα προβατα ιοθορ του γαμβρου αυτου του ιερεως μαδιαμ και ηγαγεν τα προβατα υπο την ερημον και ηλθεν εις το ορος χωρηβ [lxx]
3:2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. [kjv]
ωφθη δε αυτω αγγελος κυριου εν φλογι πυρος εκ του βατου και ορα οτι ο βατος καιεται πυρι ο δε βατος ου κατεκαιετο [lxx]
Exodus 3:3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. [kjv]
ειπεν δε μωυσης παρελθων οψομαι το οραμα το μεγα τουτο τι οτι ου κατακαιεται ο βατος [lxx]
3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. [kjv]
ως δε ειδεν κυριος οτι προσαγει ιδειν εκαλεσεν αυτον κυριος εκ του βατου λεγων μωυση μωυση ο δε ειπεν τι εστιν [lxx]
וירא יהוה כי סר לראות ויקרא אליו אלהים מתוך הסנה ויאמר משה משה ויאמר הנני׃ [he]
Exodus 3:4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. [kjv]
ως δε ειδεν κυριος οτι προσαγει ιδειν εκαλεσεν αυτον κυριος εκ του βατου λεγων μωυση μωυση ο δε ειπεν τι εστιν [lxx]
וירא יהוה כי סר לראות ויקרא אליו אלהים מתוך הסנה ויאמר משה משה ויאמר הנני׃ [he]
1 Samuel 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. [kjv]
και ηλθεν κυριος και κατεστη και εκαλεσεν αυτον ως απαξ και απαξ και ειπεν σαμουηλ λαλει οτι ακουει ο δουλος σου [lxx]
… שמואל שמואל … שמואל … [he]
Exodus 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. [kjv]
και μωυσης ην ποιμαινων τα προβατα ιοθορ του γαμβρου αυτου του ιερεως μαδιαμ και ηγαγεν τα προβατα υπο την ερημον και ηλθεν εις το ορος χωρηβ [lxx]
Galatians 4:25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. [kjv]
το δε αγαρ σινα ορος εστιν εν τη αραβια συστοιχει δε τη νυν ιερουσαλημ δουλευει μετα των τεκνων αυτης [gnt]
Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [kjv]
ηδη δε η αξινη προς την ριζαν των δενδρων κειται παν ουν δενδρον μη ποιουν καρπον καλον εκκοπτεται και εις πυρ βαλλεται [gnt]
3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: [kjv]
εγω μεν υμας βαπτιζω εν υδατι εις μετανοιαν ο δε οπισω μου ερχομενος ισχυροτερος μου εστιν ου ουκ ειμι ικανος τα υποδηματα βαστασαι αυτος υμας βαπτισει εν πνευματι αγιω και πυρι [gnt]
Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. [kjv]
ου το πτυον εν τη χειρι αυτου και διακαθαριει την αλωνα αυτου και συναξει τον σιτον αυτου εις την αποθηκην το δε αχυρον κατακαυσει πυρι ασβεστω [gnt]
Mark 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. [kjv]
οπου ο σκωληξ αυτων ου τελευτα και το πυρ ου σβεννυται [gnt]
9:49 For every one shall be salted with fire, … [kjv]
9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. [kjv]
καλον το αλας εαν δε το αλας αναλον γενηται εν τινι αυτο αρτυσετε εχετε εν εαυτοις αλα και ειρηνευετε εν αλληλοις [gnt]
Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. [kjv]
και ωφθησαν αυτοις διαμεριζομεναι γλωσσαι ωσει πυρος και εκαθισεν εφ ενα εκαστον αυτων [gnt]
… dispertitae linguae … [v]
The United Methodist "Cross and flame" logo uses a red flame, since 1968 when the United Methodist church was formed as a merger of the (mostly southern) Methodist Church and (mostly other areas) Evangelical United Brethren Church.
Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. [kjv]
Acts 2:3 … appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire… [kjv]
και ωφθησαν αυτοις διαμεριζομεναι γλωσσαι ωσει πυρος και εκαθισεν εφ ενα εκαστον αυτων [gnt]
One cannot have a physical "tongue" split into a large number of pieces. The ancient Greek word "διαμερίζω" ≈ "divided into parts" as in the "distribution" of bread to the "poor". The flame "appeared" as if it had "many parts". This idea may fit the "flaming sword" of Genesis 3:24.
In a simple analogy, think of a combination lock with three numbers forming a combination x-y-z.
Revelation 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. [kjv]
και εκ του στοματος αυτου εκπορευεται ρομφαια οξεια ινα εν αυτη παταξη τα εθνη και αυτος ποιμανει αυτους εν ραβδω σιδηρα και αυτος πατει την ληνον του οινου του θυμου της οργης του θεου του παντοκρατορος [gnt]
… gladius acutus … torcular … furoris … [v]
